Severe Storms Will Rim a Heat Dome From the Midwest to the East

The back half of the work week is forecast to go out with a bang as a line of storms rides along the northern rim of the building heat dome to the south. Read on for a detailed look at the when and where of these storms.

Storms to Ride Along the Northern Edge of Heat Dome

Several rounds of severe weather are expected to ignite along the outer edges of a heat dome that is building across the central U.S. The storms will impact a large swath of the nation from the northern Plains, across the Midwest, and into the mid-Atlantic through Friday.

Forecasters are warning that some areas may see multiple storm cells move through in just one day. Likely impacts of this volatile weather maker include high winds and heavy rain capable of unleashing localized flash flooding.

The forecast is calling for two primary areas of stormy conditions on Thursday. The first zone will set up across northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota to the east into Iowa and the southwestern corner of Wisconsin. These storms are expected to menace the region throughout the afternoon and evening hours. In addition to the usual suspects of torrential rain and strong winds, residents may also see the chance of hail.

Minneapolis will be at the heart of the action on Thursday. Despite being at the top of the heat dome away from the core, the Twin Cities will still see highs climb into the upper 80s, helping to fuel the storms. The far eastern fringe of this storm cluster could reach as far as Chicago.

The second pocket of stormy conditions is predicted to erupt farther east, starting in southern Michigan and northeastern Indiana and moving to the coasts of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Cities in this line of fire include Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Atlantic City, Dover, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Looking Ahead to the End of the Work Week and Start of the Weekend

Friday will bring a continuation of the stormy weather pattern with the bulk of the action shifting farther to the east. This zone of rain showers and thunderstorms is expected to stretch from Ohio to the east into the coastal waters off New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. To the south, the storms could creep as far as North Carolina.

A fresh wave of storms is predicted to roam across the Midwest and into the southern Appalachians and the lower mid-Atlantic throughout Labor Day weekend. The Carolinas should also prepare for the threat of severe weather on Saturday as the first weekend of college football kicks off.

Those spending time camping or at the beach to mark the unofficial end of the summer will want to be aware of these risks and stay abreast of the changing weather conditions.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.